When Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer came to the Cubs before the 2012 season, they wrote a manual called "The Cubs Way," detailing how they wanted instructors to teach and what traits they wanted their scouts to value. Dexter Fowler, who came to Chicago in a January trade, says the organization's direction jumped out at him even though he had spent 2014 with the Astros, who are in a similar rebuilding stage.
More»Maddon shares his impressions of new Cub Fowler

One of the National League's best teams the last five seasons is overlooked, even though it has only three fewer regular-season wins than the Giants, who consider themselves a dynasty after winning the World Series in 2010, '12 and '14.
More»Reds counting on Votto, Hamilton to contend in 2015

While the Brewers weren't fully prepared for Ramirez's announcement that he plans to retire at the end of the season, they weren't shocked, either. It's clear the 36-year-old from the Dominican Republic is prepared to walk away no matter what happens in 2015.
More»McCalvy reacts to Aramis' retirement decision

You're not really supposed to hit the ball hard during live batting practice, at least not in February. Even the best hitters take some time to catch up to pitching in Spring Training. Yet that didn't stop Adrian Beltre from getting on Prince Fielder on Thursday, when the Rangers held their first full workout at the Surprise Stadium complex.
More»Fielder, Andrus, Banister on spring readiness

When September rolls around, we're going to be talking about the D-backs' Chip Hale as a surprise pick in a group of candidates likely to include Joe Maddon, Bud Black, Mike Redmond and all the usual suspects, the guys like Bruce Bochy, Clint Hurdle and Mike Matheny. It may sound silly to speculate about this before the first pitch of the Cactus League season, but you don't need a crystal ball to know this is going to work.
More»Hale discusses his vision, expectations for D-backs

While it was a busy winter for the Giants' Jake Peavy, the pitcher with the pedal-to-the-metal personality, he did find time to add a cable car to the duck boat he shipped from Boston to Alabama after the Red Sox's 2013 World Series parade.
More» Peavy could post solid stats with Giants

Every year there are players who turn into late-season keys after being just another face in the clubhouse when Spring Training begins. They're the X-factors who deliver more than anyone saw coming.
More» Yelich could continue to improve in 2015

There's an unpredictability to performance by players and teams, but there are things we know. One is that there are going to be some teams who go to the playoffs next October after finishing last season with a losing record. It always happens. Well, almost always.
More»Cherington set with roster going into Spring Training

It's hard to walk away knowing you did it right. But Ernie Banks' family and friends, the sport of baseball and the city of Chicago can rest assured that they gave Mr. Cub a grand sendoff on Saturday, one befitting his standing as the all-time leader in love of the game.
More»Rev. Jesse Jackson honors Ernie Banks